Granny flats plans and prices in Australia

How much does building granny flat cost per square metre? Granny flats plans and prices start from as little as $30 per m2. Typically, you can expect granny flat prices to range widely between $20,000 and $200,000 or more for a build, depending on your specifics.

Building a granny flat offers a versatile and cost-effective solution to various housing needs. Whether accommodating family members, generating rental income, or creating a private space for guests, a granny flat creates more space without the expense of a traditional home extension. With customisable designs and the potential for independent living, granny flats are a practical and sustainable housing option, catering to diverse lifestyle preferences and financial considerations.

In this building granny flat cost guide, we explore:

• Factors that affect granny flat build cost
• How much does it cost to build a granny flat in Australia?
• Building requirements and granny flat approval cost
• Getting quotes from granny flat builders, and more.

Want to find granny flat builders near me in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

Factors that affect granny flat build cost

How much does a granny flat cost to build? Granny flat build cost depends on several factors. Here are 10 key factors that can influence granny flats plans and prices:

1. Size and Layout

The overall size and granny flat design play a significant role in determining the cost. Larger and more complex layouts and more bedrooms will generally be more expensive to build.

2. Type of granny flat

Whether you opt for a custom granny flat, prefabricated, or a conversion, this choice will be a major influence on the total cost of your build.

3. Materials

The choice of materials for construction can have a substantial impact on costs. Higher-quality and more expensive materials will increase the overall cost of the project.

4. Labour Costs

Labour cost, including skilled tradespeople and construction workers, can vary depending on the region, availability of workers, and the complexity of the project.

5. Location

The location of the property can affect granny flat build costs due to differences in local building codes, zoning regulations, and site conditions. Transportation costs for materials may also vary based on location.

6. Site Preparation

If the site requires extensive preparation, such as clearing, grading, or addressing drainage issues, it can add to the overall cost.

7. Permits and Approvals

Obtaining necessary permits and approvals from local authorities can involve fees and administrative costs. Compliance with building codes and regulations is essential and can affect the overall cost.

8. Utilities and Services

Connecting the granny flat to existing utilities, such as water, electricity, and sewer systems, can contribute to the overall cost. If these connections require significant work or upgrades, costs may rise.

9. Design and Features

The complexity of granny flat designs and the inclusion of additional features, such as high-end finishes, custom fixtures, or specialised construction techniques, can increase the overall cost.

10. Contractor’s Experience

The experience and reputation of your granny flat builder can seriously impact costs. More experienced contractors may charge higher fees, but their expertise can often mean a smoother and more efficient construction process.

It’s important to work closely with a qualified architect, builder, or construction professional to get accurate estimates based on the specific details of your project and local conditions when you’re “building granny flat in backyard”.

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How much does a granny flat cost?

How much to build a granny flat? Building granny flat cost is typically anywhere between $80,000 and $200,000, depending on the factors outlined above.

Let’s explore prices for granny flats in more detail by type of granny flat and number of bedrooms.

Types of granny flats plans and prices

Granny flats prices will depend largely on the type of structure you choose. Here is a granny flat price list for different types:

Attached Granny Flats

Converting a garage into a granny flat is notably more economical than constructing a detached unit. At the lower end of the budget range, this type of build can cost as little as $10,000 to $20,000. However, a custom-built attached granny flat can cost you more than a detached granny flat in certain cases.

Detached Granny Flats

For those seeking privacy and potential rental income, detached granny flats offer independence. Although the construction cost ranges from $25,000 to $45,000, the investment can be recouped quickly, turning the granny flat into a profitable venture for years to come.

Flat Pack Granny Flats

Flat pack granny flats usually cost between $10,000 and $30,000. You’ll still need to budget for all the necessary earthworks, trades and services, fittings and fixtures, and more.

Granny Flat Kits

Similar to flat packs, granny flat kits have a few extras involved and are typically priced between $20,000 and $50,000. These kits generally include all the necessary materials for constructing a 45 to 60-square-meter granny flat. If you hire granny flat builders to complete your project, expect total costs to range from $80,000 to $120,000.

Prefabricated Granny Flats

A prefab granny flat arrives at the home site usually about 90% complete, with finished walls, floors, ceilings, carpet, and even paint. Installation, including electrical and plumbing hookup, can be completed in as little as a day, but typically takes around 3 days. Prefab granny flat prices typically range between $50,000 and $80,000.

Custom-Built Granny Flats Plans and Prices

Custom-built granny flat prices can vary significantly, ranging from $50,000 to well over $200,000, especially when incorporating high-quality finishes and fittings.

You can save a lot of money on a granny flat build as an owner-builder. It’s important to note that if you have the DIY skills and want to do the work yourself, you must obtain an owner-builder permit. There are different rules and regulations across the states.

Want to find granny flat builders near me in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

Custom-built: How much does it cost to build a granny flat?

Let’s explore granny flat prices for a custom build depending on the number of bedrooms:

1 bedroom building granny flat cost – $80,000 to $130,000+

The most popular granny flat layouts are one-bedroom or studio designs. These layouts are well-suited to the typical available space on residential blocks, requiring 60 square meters or less for construction. Custom-designed layouts offer virtually unlimited possibilities, allowing for simple open-plan living or designs with indoor-outdoor access.

2 bedroom granny flats prices – $110,000 to $160,000+

Two-bedroom granny flat layouts are a good choice for family accommodation. Typically, they are constructed on blocks of land with 70-80 square meters of space, situated close to the main house for convenient access. On larger properties, a 2 bedroom granny flat can serve as rental accommodation with side access, suitable for couples or students. The layout flexibility is vast when custom designing, allowing for various configurations, including a simple open-plan living space or layouts with indoor-outdoor access.

3 bedroom granny flat price – $185,000 to $220,000+

With sufficient property space, you can construct a modern three-bedroom granny flat tailored to your lifestyle. These flats offer home-like benefits at a reasonable cost, making them ideal for rentals and providing privacy for both occupants and those in the main house.

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Other costs to consider when building a granny flat

There are many building costs involved when considering a granny flat. Extra costs you may need to budget for include:

• Concrete slab
• Council and permit fees
• Utility connection (plumbing, electrical, sewerage)
• Retaining walls
• Landscaping
• Air conditioning/heating
• Hot water system
• Painting
• Tiling, flooring, decking
• Waste removal

When getting quotes from granny flat companies, be sure to ask what is included and what is not so you have a clear idea of additional costs. You can also find an online granny flat cost calculator for an idea of how to budget for your build.

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Building requirements and granny flat approval cost

Planning permission regulations for building a granny flat differ across states. In New South Wales, recent legislation, the Affordable Rental Housing – State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), has been introduced to simplify the approval process for homeowners constructing granny flats. This policy allows residential property owners to bypass certain granny flat approvals, subject to meeting specific minimum requirements.

States or local council (TAS & QLD) set size limits for granny flats. For example, in NSW, the site must be a minimum of 450m2 with a 12m frontage, and the flat’s size cannot exceed 60m2. Compliance with building standards means you need to engage qualified builders, plumbers, and electricians, just like with a regular home construction.

Check with your local council for specific granny flat building rules and council fees for the approvals process.

Getting quotes for granny flat costs

Still wondering how much does a granny flat cost? Getting quotes from granny flat builders is easy with Yellow Pages. You can research and shortlist builders with our online directory and reviews before requesting and comparing multiple quotes.

Be sure to provide them with basic details about your project, including the size of the granny flat, any specific features you want, and your location. Many builders will conduct an on-site inspection to assess the specific conditions and requirements of your property. This allows them to provide a more accurate and tailored quote.

Request written quotes from each builder. This should include a detailed breakdown of costs, including materials, labour, permits, and any other relevant expenses. Ensure that the quotes are comprehensive and transparent before comparing them carefully. Consider not only the total cost but also the included services, timelines, and any warranties offered.

When choosing the right builder, be sure to:

• Check their references
• Clarify the T&Cs for payments schedules, work timelines, etcetera
• Check they are licensed and insured to work on your property
• Ask about included warranties

Remember that communication is key throughout this process. Clearly articulate your expectations, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. It’s essential to have a solid understanding of the project scope and costs before making a decision.

Want to find granny flat builders near me in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.